7 Ways to Prep a Smartphone for Travel

Travel is a game of small details.

From nailing your packing list to perfectly timing your layover to keeping a few local phrases in your back pocket, there’s a lot that goes into creating a frictionless, memorable trip.

Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of that scheme. Whether you want to avoid hacks when using public w-fi, find the perfect eSIM for your phone, or get ahead of jet lag, you have more solutions than ever before.

But… which do you actually need for a great trip?

When it comes to both software and physical products designed for your smartphone, it can be dizzying to separate the essentials from the suggestions.

Consider this your shortlist of the most important ways you should get your smartphone ready for a trip, from tips to apps to gadgets. These are the seven ways you should be prepping your phone for travel.

7 ways to prep a smartphone for travel

Tip #1: Before leaving, free up storage

Before you set off into the sunset, check that you have sufficient storage space on your phone. If not, then make the necessary cuts to free up some storage.

Of course, you’ll want to pack your phone with photos and videos of your trip—but that’s not the only reason you might need more space.

During your travels, you might be prompted to download an app more than once. Two examples off the top of my head are an airline’s app (I have Delta Sky downloaded on my phone), along with last-minute downloads like the UK’s new ETA App, which you must use to submit your ETA application to visit the country.

Tip #2: Have your backup in place, too

Along with freeing up space, make sure you also back up your phone. I pay a small amount each month for access to Apple’s iCloud, which is linked to my phone and laptop.

If—by some disaster—I would have both my phone and my laptop stolen, I would still be able to access my most pressing documents and data via the Cloud.

In fact, I could even buy a fresh phone in my destination, then set it up myself straight from my hotel room or rental. That’s a pretty impressive backup plan that protects me while I travel.

Regardless of how you prefer to store and back up your most important documents, files, and information, make sure it’s functional before you leave home.

Tip #3: Prep your apps

If you have found yourself relying more and more on travel apps, you’re not alone.

At the moment, eSIMs and VPNs are taking off. ESIM apps let you purchase flexible data plans for any country, while VPNs protect your device by routing you through a virtual private network (aka a VPN).

Along with eSIM and VPN apps, I’d also recommend taking advantage of Google Maps’ new offline feature, along with Google Translate. Both apps can be accessed even if your phone doesn’t have service, letting you communicate in dozens of languages and explore any cities that you’ve downloaded maps for.

Tip #4: Make sure your tracking features are turned on

Here’s my last app suggestion: if you’ve got Find My iPhone or a similar tracking app or feature, make sure they’re turned on and linked. It’s best to share your location with your travel partner(s), but I also recommend making sure someone back at home can track your device.

Tip #5: Change your phone settings to protect yourself from public wi-fi

Public Wi-Fi is risky to use, point blank. If you’re going to use public Wi-Fi, make sure you protect yourself in these ways.

First, turn off auto-connect under your Wi-Fi settings; this will prevent you from automatically joining any public networks. Second, turn off Bluetooth, which provides another avenue for hackers to access your device.

Third, use a VPN if possible—it gives you added protection. Lastly, turn off AirDrop if you’re an Apple user—it’s similar to Bluetooth when it comes to opening you up to attacks.

Tip #6: Bring a portable charger that’s actually portable

Travel writers like me love to recommend bringing along portable chargers—but that doesn’t mean you should be lugging a charging bank that looks and feels like a brick.

Stick to small portable chargers. Recharge them at night and start each day with a fresh, full recharge in your back pocket should you need it.

Tip #7: Get a strap for your phone—and a waterproof case

Let’s talk about hardware for your phone. I recommend travelers purchase a strap for their phone that lets them wear it across their bodies, which deters pickpockets from targeting you while also making it easy to keep track of your phone.

Remember: if you’re taking a lot of pictures, it’s going to come in handy to have that bad boy strapped to you and in reach.

I also vote you bring along a waterproof case if photography is on your mind. On one level, waterproof cases let you dunk your Samsung Galaxy into any liquid—but on another level, they also protect your phone in case of inclement weather.

If you’re heading somewhere really rainy, a waterproof case lets you take photos when and where you choose, regardless of what the weather is doing that day.

Bonus tip: Download podcasts

I’m a huge fan of over-ear headphones because I’m sensitive to noise. Having a robust, noise-canceling solution in reach will keep me calm no matter how long the delays are and how loudly the children wail.

If you’re similarly calmed by noise control, I suggest downloading podcasts before you leave.

Podcasts don’t just remove you from the noise in your immediate vicinity—they give your mind something to latch onto. If you do poorly in travel binds, then podcasts can get you through a multi-hour mishap. Depending on what shows you download, you might even learn a thing or two along the way.

Welcome to the US’s Most Beautiful Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone

I couldn’t care less what an airport looks like.

What matters most to me is efficiency, organization, and good weather.

If I have time, I’ll explore the arts exhibits and duty-free shops, and maybe even grab a kitschy souvenir. Still, my focus is (overwhelmingly) on getting from Point A to Point B with as few delays as possible.

Despite my focus on utility, beauty does exist at airports.

From Atlanta Airport’s gorgeous Flight Paths project from Steve Waldeck to Singapore’s in-airport jungle called the Jewel, artists around the world have helped inspire travelers at even the most hectic airports.

Even in terms of architecture, you can find gems out there—from JFK’s TWA Hotel to Denver’s tipi-inspired façade.

But let’s think smaller for a second. A recent Instagram post from Shel Breese (@shelbreese) confirmed the whispers I’ve been hearing for close to a decade: the US’s most beautiful airport is Bozeman Yellowstone Airport.

As soon as you land and deboard, you’ll feel like you’re in a stately mountain cabin. One with a mountain view that you’d pay thousands for at a hotel.

[Unfortunately, security protocols make it hard to find images of Bozeman Yellowstone Airport. Below, you’ll notice mostly exterior images. Thankfully, the airport has a stellar gallery that lets you explore its look from various eras. Enjoy them here.]

Welcome to the airport that feels like a cabin

The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport might look new, but it’s been around since the first passenger landed in 1942.

The grounds got a facelift in 2011 when Prugh & Lenon Architects took over the project. The next year in 2012, the airport set up a small customs section to allow for international flights.

Currently, Bozeman Yellowstone is undergoing another expansion that will add three new baggage carousels, more security checkpoints, and more gates.

The good news is that these changes aren’t expected to impact the cabin-like atmosphere in the airport.

Natural wood and stone features dominate the main areas and gates, along with the vaulted ceiling, which gives the facility an artisanal quality that you usually don’t see at an airport.

It’s warm, it’s Montana-themed, and it fits well with the mountain views right outside the windows. And speaking of mountain views, in the main waiting area, you’ll find massive windows that overlook the Rockies. There’s even a stone firepit where you can gear up for your next adventure.

But does the airport offer a good experience?

Visitors describe this airport as ‘beautiful’ and ‘quaint’—which I think is a great description.

But how does it actually run? Remember: this is a very small and remote airport in a region of the US where two-hour drives are considered normal.

Here are a few tips from passengers who landed in and/or departed from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport:

Plan to rent a car straight from the airport, as Ubers aren’t readily available. If the weather looks snowy, pay more for a snow-friendly rental.
Speaking of snow and inclement weather, ice and snow delays are common in winter; plan accordingly.
The baggage claim can be a bit slow when multiple flights arrive; remember, ground crew is limited at small airports.
Car rental lines can also get long during peak hours; some travelers recommend grabbing the car rental while waiting for bags at the carousel.
On the other hand, security lines tend to be non-existent, even during peak hours.
Some passengers don’t like that the airport doesn’t have any lounges; others insist the large windows in the main terminal are perfect for relaxing.
Be on the lookout for dinosaur fossils; there are a few models stationed around the airport.

Destinations around Bozeman Yellowstone Airport

American Bison graze at the Grand Teton National Park with the Grand Teton Range in the background, Wyoming

For anyone heading to areas around Bozeman, from Yellowstone to Big Sky to Beartrap Canyon, don’t settle for a re-route to Missoula International Airport (MSO), Billings Logan Airport (BIL), or Glacier Park Airport (FCA).

At Bozeman Yellowstone Airport, your vacation starts the second you get off the plane. As a bonus, it’s not difficult to find flights to and from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.

Between 2020 and 2021, Bozeman Yellowstone Airport landed on the radar of travelers—and airlines followed. Since then, Allegiant Air, Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have offered regular service. Many offer non-stop routes between select cities, as well.

4 US Cities with Fantastic Free Events

Who doesn’t love a free public event?

Public initiatives large and small, from concerts to bird walking tours to cardio classes, not only give locals a way to get active but also create a sense of community.

They breathe life into a city, in other words.

I’m from Saint Louis, a city that hosts free concerts under the Gateway Arch each summer. Those performances bring the whole city together for a few hours. We sing, we dance, we drink, we shout conversations over the music, and go home with a warm feeling.

And while most public events are designed for locals, that’s not always the case.

I’ve brought out-of-towners to the Saint Louis concert series anytime they’re around for a big performance—it’s a great introduction to life in the Lou.

The same is true in New Orleans, a city that tends to offer free public concerts for jazz, blues, and other popular genres. If you’ve spent time in the Big Easy, you’ve probably stumbled across some type of free concert hosted by one of the city’s art councils and organizations.

Aside from STL and NOLA, where else can you find long (and enviable) lists of free public events in the US? Let’s count down the top US cities with tons of free events.

Best cities with free events

New York City

New York City… for cheap? That’s right. While New York City is a playground for the wealthy and hyper-rich, the majority of locals are living ordinary lives—and they’re interested in free events. Tourists can join the fun around the city in a range of ways.

The easiest way to join a free event is via NYC Parks. Their events calendar includes educational, fitness, social, cultural, and artistic pursuits. What’s cool about NYC’s free events is how professional they are.

With nine million residents, many of NYC’s free events are led by qualified and passionate professionals who want to share their expertise with the public.

Aside from NYC Parks’ long list of free events, you can also use NYC For Free to track other giveaways, pop-ups, and special offers. Just be warned—their list is exhaustive, so you might be event-hunting for a while.

Los Angeles

View from the beach, Santa Monica Pier (Getty)

Similar to New York City, Los Angeles has a solid population—and one that’s interested in creativity, expression, and empowerment. Plus, with nearly year-round sunny weather, you can find great opportunities to have fun even in the depths of winter.

Unfortunately, you’ll need to shop around a few different sites to find Los Angeles’ best free events. Do LA has a great Free Events page where they list the coolest events, classes, shows, and workshops throughout the city.

Aside from Do LA, you can also search for free events on Eventbrite using their free filter. Just keep in mind that Eventbrite also posts sales, so some offers might not be entirely free. Lastly, use TimeOut’s monthly free event breakdown to mark your calendars with LA’s coolest free public events.

Houston

Houston might be one of the US’s most underrated big cities. I recently covered why Houston is worth visiting for those who like a little city-slicking—and the number one reason is the sheer volume of free public events. (The city even offers a free boat tour of Port Houston.)

Visit Houston maintains a list of free events for visitors to take part in. You can explore the best free events that weekend or dig into perma-free experiences. What makes these offer stand out is the range. There are popular arts exhibitions to explore, open-air markets, admission to bird sanctuaries, drawing classes, and so much more.

Just like Los Angeles’ DoLA, you can explore the Do 713 list of free events in Houston. (Do is a company that covers free events in US cities, usually with their area code included. They also have an NYC page, if you’re interested.) Do 713’s list usually showcases smaller, grassroots events.

Twin Cities

A view of Minneapolis and the Central Avenue Bridge (Getty)

With two cities banding together, you’ll have plenty to do in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Just be warned—spring and summer are busy when it comes to free events, as most aren’t available in winter. So put on your sunscreen and buckle up.

The best place to find the latest free events in the Twin Cities area is via Meet Minneapolis. Their events calendar has a filter for free events. That being said, most events are very, very affordable (around $10), so check out any paid events that catch your eye.

Explore Minnesota has another great list that you can dive into. Once again, there’s a search bar where you can input ‘free’ to filter the results. Lastly, you can learn about local events from the Twin Cities ‘the Scene’ page—but there’s no filter for free, so you’ll need to type ‘free’ into the search bar to help filter the results.

6 Best Outdoor Activities in Estes Park for Any Season

When someone says Estes Park, I see Jack Nicholson shoving his face through an ax-battered door screaming, “Here’s Johnny!”

My apologies for the visual; it’s a personal struggle, and it’s incredibly unfair to Estes Park.

Although The Shining was filmed at the maybe-haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, this Colorado town couldn’t be further from a Stephen King novel.

It’s charming, it’s welcoming to visitors, it’s chock-full of great rentals, and it’s got something (amazing) to do any time of year.

And while you absolutely can take a The Shining-themed tour of The Stanley Hotel (or even join a séance with the hotel’s resident apparitionist), you’re better off spending your time enjoying the fruits of the Rockies.

Ready to ~~see a ghost at The Stanley Hotel~~ lace up your hiking boots? These are the best outdoor activities that you can enjoy in any season, including in winter.

6 best outdoor activities in Estes Park

Great for the family: Geocaching

Geocaching has popped up on my radar more and more over the last year, especially when it comes to activities offered at national parks. (In fact, I recently covered geocaching at Babcock State Park in a piece on Fayetteville, West Virginia.)

If you’ve been seeing this phrase around and wondering what it means, geocaching is basically a digital scavenger hunt.

Park authorities leave out ‘caches’ that park-goers can find using clues accessed on a mobile device, then leave behind for other groups to uncover.

In Estes Park, you can enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park’s unique Across the Divide Geocaching program. It’s part of an international program called GeoTours, which means this is an activity your family can take with you on future journeys.

Just make sure you read up on how Geocaching works and what you’ll need to get started. Every park has a unique approach to GeoAdventures.

Romantic side quests: Horseback Riding

Depending on how adventurous you are, and how willing you are to laugh at yourself, horseback riding may or may not make for a great date.

Personally, I love these types of dates because they take me out of my comfort zone while promising an unforgettable adventure.

In Estes Park, you’ll get even more out of the experience thanks to the gorgeous views and range of options. You can choose from five different horse-riding experiences that are geared toward beginners, experienced riders, and those who want to get out in nature.

Personally, I’d go for the National Park Gateway Stables—it looks like one of the most scenic options.

Big group adventures: Wildlife Watching

Colorado Bull Elk in Rut at Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park (Getty)

Estes Park is one of the best places in the United States to observe wildlife without disappearing into the wilderness. That’s thanks to the Rockies’ looming presence; they pen in the town and are protected as part of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Just outside city limits, wildlife abounds.

It might sound a little counterintuitive to recommend taking a big group to observe wildlife—after all, should you be in small, sort of clandestine groups?

Not exactly. If you’re just passing through Estes Park, you’ll probably be looking for wildlife from a car.

If you’re a larger group, you can easily explore scenic routes that are known for wildlife in two cars. That way, your group experiences the same magic without packing into a bus.

The best way to see wildlife is in Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Valley—but the likelihood of you seeing wildlife changes greatly based on season, along with where you might see them.

For this reason, always ask guides, hosts, or your hotel’s concierge about when and where to go wildlife watching.

For the outdoorsy types: Whitewater Rafting

As with horseback riding, you have choices when it comes to white water rafting operators in Estes Park. Most service the rushing Colorado River or the nearby Poudre River. Once again, you’ll be able to find a difficulty level that suits your experience on the water.

Want to take it easy? You can basically float down certain portions of either river. Want to challenge yourself? Take on rapids with names like Maw of Death and Roller Coaster.

For the non-outdoorsy types: Riverwalk

Even if you hate the outdoors, you’ll still have fun in Estes Park. Let me mention once again just how stunning the Rocky Mountain views are—the town is almost surrounded on all sides by protected forests, meaning you can soak up the rugged atmosphere from downtown.

Speaking of downtown, it’s home to a quaint Riverwalk. The Riverwalk crisscrosses the Big Thompson River and Fall River, which wind through the center of town. As you weave along the path, you can explore Estes Park’s most beloved galleries, shops, and restaurants. It’s so relaxing and scenic that you might actually do it twice.

Perfect for a solo trip: Choose your tour

Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado, USA (Getty)

More rugged outdoor trips aren’t usually a top pick for solo travelers—especially greener, first-time soloists. Getting out into nature is rejuvenating, but it also requires us to gather the right gear, take the necessary precautions, and otherwise plan out every detail in case we lose cell service or run into a bear.

In Estes Park, however, you can easily find a tour that suits your outdoor interests. From photography tours that take you into Rock Mountain National Park to llama-led adventures to guided bike tours, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, it’s a great place to meet fellow travelers and make friends that you might see again.

The surprise of a lifetime: Off Roading or Open Air Adventure Park

Open Air Adventure Park (Courtesy of Visit Estes Park)

Can’t be bothered with another horseback ride or white water adventure? Take things in a new direction. In Estes Park, you have two unexpected options: a daring offroad adventure or the Open Air Adventure Park.

Off-roading options let you take on nature with the help of rough-and-ready rock crawlers, from Jeeps to customized rides. Some are large enough to bring on small groups, making this an ideal pick for bachelor parties.

The Open Air Adventure Park gives you a little bit of everything. You can take on an obstacle course, rent a kayak to take a sunset tour, throw axes like a Viking, and more. Best of all, you’re surrounded by stunning natural forests.

3 Easy Steps to Buy & Set Up an eSIM for Europe

Ready to hit the ground running on your next trip to Europe?

You need a solid phone plan in your back pocket. The easiest way to stay connected abroad is with an eSIM that you can activate upon arrival.

ESIMs are digital SIM cards that come with data plans that let you connect to the internet all over the world.

Previously, travelers had to buy a physical SIM card from a local phone shop to get service—now, all you need to do is download an app.

But how do they actually work? As a traveler and not a techy, I know how easy it is to get hung up on the whole process. That’s doubly true in a region like Europe where you might cross borders every other day… or even daily, depending on your itinerary.

Can’t figure out how to get your smartphone ready for your trip to Europe? Let’s use one of my favorite eSIM providers as an example: Saily.

Here’s how to buy and set up an eSIM from Saily for your next European adventure—in three easy steps.

A short intro to Saily

Saily is a premier eSIM provider with some big backing. Saily comes from Nord, the same company behind Nord VPN.

That’s a pretty big deal considering Nord’s experience in the VPN world means Saily has added security features, including ad-blocking and tracker-blocking.

Those features are great to have anywhere—but they’re even more important when we travel because we have less understanding of data laws and potential cyber threats at our destination.

Second, Saily is the official partner of Lonely Planet, which is a pretty big stamp of approval, if I’ve ever seen one. Unlike other eSIM platforms, Saily lets you choose a pan-European data plan, too, which means you don’t need to activate new eSIM plans every time you cross a border.

Now onto the fun stuff. Here’s how to buy a data plan from Saily for your next trip to Europe.

Step One: Download the Saily App

You can download Saily on the Apple App Store or via the Google Play Store. The app is free to download and won’t take up too much space on your phone. Once you download the app, you’ll be able to follow a simple set of instructions to set up your account.

[Alternatively, you can select and pay for your data plan straight from the website, then download the app afterward. To me, it makes more sense to download the app and shop there from the get-go.]

Step Two: Find the right plan and make your purchase

In the screenshot, you can see Saily’s Europe webpage. Here, you can shop around for the right plan for you. As you can see, most plans are only active for 30 days or, for larger data plans of 50 GB and over, 90 to 180 days.

I recommend a 5 or 10 GB plan for any Americans heading to Europe for a week or so. That will give you enough data to do just about everything that you do from home, from scrolling on social media to sending emails. But if you want full video streaming capabilities, go for the 50 GB plan.

Lastly, I want to point out the ‘view country list’ at the bottom of the page. The reason I prefer Saily for European adventures is that the data plans work across the European Union’s borders—and into countries that aren’t part of the EU, like the UK and Iceland.

It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution for all types of European trips.

Step Three: Show up and have fun

How can you activate your data plan when you touch down in Europe? Thanks to the magic of Saily, you don’t need to do anything.

Your eSIM will automatically activate when your phone connects to local networks. And they’ll automatically lapse once that 30-day period ends.

What You Need to Know About the UK’s New ETA Travel Requirement

If you have plans to travel to Europe, you might be wondering about those ETIAS forms mentioned over the last year.

Here’s a quick catchup: the European Union is looking to launch a new entry-exit system across its borders, which is called EES. Once the new EES rolls out, American tourists will be required to submit a form that verifies their identity, and then declares where they’re going and what they’re doing, which is called the ETIAS form.

According to reports from late last year, delays implementing EES were, in turn, causing delays in the ETIAS requirement start date.

Still, most reports informed travelers that EES would launch in 2025, followed by ETIAS form requirements. Despite added delays, ETIAS systems were still slated to launch in October of this year—a cool five years before it was originally supposed to launch in 2021.

In early March, however, the EU officially announced that ETIAS operations had been pushed to late 2026. (For any Office fans reading this, we’re now in snip-snap-snip-snap territory.)

But there’s a catch: travelers heading for Europe aren’t entirely off the hook.

Though ETIAS won’t launch until late 2026, the UK surprised the travel world by releasing a new requirement for travelers—including those who are just passing through its airports on connecting flights.

Forget about the EU’s ETIAS—you need to know about the UK’s ETA requirement.

Europe & its borders: a quick refresher

Thanks to Brexit, the UK is no longer part of the European Union.

EES and ETIAS launches will not affect travel into and out of the UK. The UK patrols its borders according to different policies—and it’s got one of the strictest approaches in Europe thanks to its status as a small island nation.

Recently, the UK announced a new Electronic Travel Authorization form or ETA. It’s a new entry requirement for American travelers heading to the UK or simply passing through, effective immediately.

What is the ETA? And where can you fill it out?

The UK’s new ETA requirements is a simple form that helps British authorities track and manage the citizens who pass through its borders digitally instead of manually—even during a simple transfer at the airport.

Read that again for anyone with a layover at Heathrow: you still need to fill out an ETA form, even if you’ll never leave the airport.

You can find information on the form and download the necessary apps to complete the form online.

Here’s what else you need to know about applying for an ETA to travel to the UK or pass through its airports:

It costs $12.75 to apply for an ETA
Travelers of all ages must apply
It is valid for two years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first
Your application could take up to three business days to process, so make sure you give yourself time to get approved
If you have a criminal record or were previously denied entry into the UK, consider applying for a regular visitor visa instead